What is True Love?

We must love God, His Son Jesus Christ, and each other.

We can do that through our actions. Forgiving others can show our love. We can also show our love by donating our time and resources to help others in need. Or sharing our wisdom to help others learn about the truth of God’s promises.

How do you know when someone loves you?

• They treat you with kindness and empathy.
• They show genuine and authentic care and concern.
• They speak the truth.

In the Bible, love is defined in various ways.

Agape: God’s love for people, characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, unconditional care.

• John 3:16: How God showed His love for people.
• Matthew 5:44: Love enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:13: Love those who diligently labor among you.

Philia: Deep friendship, a strong emotional bond between friends.

• John 21:15-17: On Jesus’ third request, when Peter responded he used Philia/Phileo love toward Jesus as a true friend.
• 1 Samuel 18, 2 Samuel 1:1-27: David and Jonathan had a special relationship.

Storge: Familial affection, the bond between parents and children or siblings.

• Genesis 6:9-22: Noah and his family.
• Luke chapter 10: The disciples sent out together.
• John chapter 11: The siblings of Lazarus.

Eros: Romantic.

• Proverbs 5:18-20: Part of a father’s instruction to his son.
• Song of Solomon: The Groom and his Bride.

Study 11: True Love

Exodus 20:1-6
Show love to God by keeping His commandments, and doing what’s right and good toward God, His Son Jesus Christ, and Their creation.

Leviticus 19:17-18
The original commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 12:28-33
The teaching of Jesus Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourself.

1 John 3:18-24
Love is taking action beyond words.

1 John 4:7-21 and 5:1-3
God is love, and people who abide in love abide in God, and God dwells in them. It brings peace and comfort to people who practice righteousness.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 and 14:1
Love is the most important spiritual gift.

Additional references:

• 1 John 2:7-11
• Didache 1:1-6

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